Mr. John S. Duncan Sworn In As New Governor Of The Virgin Islands

His Excellency the Governor, Mr. John S. Duncan, OBE giving his first speech in his newly appointed role of Governor of the Virgin Islands at the Swearing-in and Welcome Ceremony held on Friday, 15 August at the House of Assembly Chambers. (Photo Credit: GIS/ Ronnielle Frazer)

Friday, August 15 – His Excellency the Governor, Mr. John S. Duncan, OBE was sworn in as the sixteenth Governor of the Virgin Islands today at a ceremony held at the House of Assembly Chambers.

The Governor took both the Oath of Allegiance and the Oath of due Execution of Office before an audience of Government Ministers, a High Court Justice, members of the House of Assembly, senior Government Officials and other invited guests.

Before participating in the swearing-in ceremony, Governor Duncan inspected the Guard of Honour mounted by the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force.

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE in his remarks, welcomed the Governor to the Territory and pleged his support and commitment. “Today I pledge our further commitment to continued good governance and the partnership that has been forged with Her Majesty’s Government over the years. We will continue to do so with mutual respect and a shared vision for the prosperity of this Territory.”

Leader of the Opposition Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE joined the Premier in welcoming the new governor to the Territory.

The Governor in his reply assured both the Premier and Leader of the Opposition of his commitment to the Virgin Islands. “In carrying out this responsibility I will seek to bring even-handedness, professional integrity, a willingness to listen to the views of others, coupled with the readiness to make the right decision, even if that is not always the easy, or the popular one.”

The Governor continued, “This is the commitment I bring to the role of Governor of the Virgin Islands – to work together with your Government and your elected representatives, with the support and commitment of the talented men and women of the public service to make the Virgin Islands a still better and fairer place – so that the citizens of this Territory can have greater opportunities to reach their full potential.”